These slow cooker 4-ingredient BBQ bacon wrapped lil smokies are the kind of easy party appetizer that disappears almost as soon as the lid comes off. They have that perfect game day combination of smoky, sweet, salty, and saucy, and using thick cut bacon makes each little bite extra hearty and satisfying. This is one of those low-effort recipes I love keeping in my back pocket for busy weekends, potlucks, and tailgates because it looks like you did way more than you actually had to.
Serve these straight from the slow cooker with plenty of toothpicks and napkins, alongside classic game day favorites like chips and dip, potato skins, sliders, or a veggie tray to balance out the richness. They also pair really well with baked beans, mac and cheese bites, or a crisp slaw if you want to turn them into part of a bigger spread.
Slow Cooker 4-Ingredient BBQ Bacon Wrapped Lil Smokies
Servings: 10
Ingredients
1 (14-ounce) package lil smokies sausages
1 (16-ounce) package thick cut bacon, cut into 3 equal pieces per slice
1 cup barbecue sauce
1/2 cup light brown sugar
Directions
1. Cut each slice of thick cut bacon into 3 pieces. Wrap one piece of bacon around each lil smokie and secure it with a toothpick.
2. Place the bacon-wrapped smokies into the slow cooker in an even layer, stacking gently as needed.
3. In a small bowl, stir together the barbecue sauce and brown sugar until combined, then pour the mixture evenly over the smokies.
4. Cover and cook on low for 2 1/2 to 3 hours, or until the bacon is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly. If desired, turn the smokies once halfway through so they get evenly coated.
5. Switch the slow cooker to warm for serving, or transfer the smokies to a platter and spoon extra sauce over the top before serving.
Variations & Tips
Make-ahead tip: You can wrap the lil smokies in bacon and secure them with toothpicks a day ahead, then cover and refrigerate until you're ready to add the sauce and start cooking. This makes party prep so much easier when the house is already full.
Choose the right bacon: Thick cut bacon gives these bites a meatier texture, but it helps to avoid extremely oversized slices. If your bacon strips are very long, trim them so they wrap neatly without too many overlaps, which helps them cook more evenly in the slow cooker.
Sweeter version: If you like that classic sweet-and-smoky party snack flavor, add an extra tablespoon or two of brown sugar to the sauce. It creates a stickier glaze that clings really nicely to the bacon.
Spicy version: Stir a little hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne into the barbecue sauce if you want some heat. It's an easy way to balance the sweetness and makes these especially good for tailgates and holiday snack tables.